You guys have learned a little bit more about your leadership, so this blog is dedicated to learning more about the place you are going to call home in a few months—The Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Auburn University was first established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, 20 years after the city of Auburn's founding. In 1872, under the Morrill Act, the school became the first land-grant college in the South and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899 the name again was changed, to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute or API (you can still see people wearing API shirts on campus). FINALLY, in 1960 the name was changed to Auburn University, more in keeping with its location, and expressed the variety of academic programs and larger curriculum of a major university.

We all should be incredibly proud of our school because Auburn University is ranked 41st among public universities nationwide for its undergraduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. This ranking marks the 21st consecutive year Auburn has ranked in the top 50 public universities. WHAT WHAT! More importantly, Auburn is ranked #4 on the Princeton Review’s list of colleges with the Best Quality of Life and the City of Auburn was named one of the 10 Best Places to Live in America. You’ll feel right at home!

Other interesting blurbs about Auburn:

Toomer’s Drug Store at the historic Toomer’s Corner is famous for their lemonade and they are listed in Southern Living’s Top 100 Things to Do Before You Die.

Auburn University runs the AU Medical Clinic is a full-service primary care clinic whose function is to serve Auburn students, faculty and staff.

Did you know that cancer research is a top focus of the College of Veterinary Medicine? We are one of the few veterinary colleges in the country with an on-campus linear accelerator, MRI and CT-scan machines.

Our nursing students are incredible! 100% of students from the School of Nursing have a job within 6 months of graduation.

Saying "War Eagle!" is a beloved Auburn Family greeting. There are several legends of War Eagle, and everyone pretty much picks a favorite. It could mean hello, goodbye, good luck and congrats! (more to come)

Auburn is the only university with a line item in the budget for cleaning up toilet paper. After each football win or major accomplishment, students and fans roll the historic Toomer's corner, which is the entrance to campus.

Auburn's bachelor of wireless engineering degree is the first in the country.

The United Nations' World Food Program selected Auburn University as its lead academic partner in the international War on Hunger campaign.

Auburn played its first football game ever against the University of Georgia in Atlanta in 1892 and won (duh) 10‐0! This was the first college football game played in the Deep South.

Samford Stadium at Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park was voted the best collegiate baseball facility in the country by Baseball America prior to the 2003 season and has been home to AU Baseball for over 60 years.

One of my favorite pieces of AU history is the Auburn Creed. In 1945, Auburn professor and first football coach, George Petrie wrote a creed which grew to become a unifying set of beliefs and principles common to all Auburn students, faculty, and alumni. This creed is said to embody the spirit of Auburn and is reflected in every member of the Auburn family:

The Auburn Creed

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports to develop these qualities.I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

I’m so excited to welcome y’all to the Auburn Family and hopefully now you know a little more about your school and new home. Stay tuned for next week when you’ll get to learn about the History of the RAT program! See you soon! War Eagle!